The (second) Dirtiest Industry

Nope. It’s not what you think it is…

It’s the fast fashion industry, in terms of its impact on the environment. The amount of pollution that this industry generates is the second largest, just after the oil industry. It’s incredible how our heedless online buys, or the impulse buys from Zara have major consequences on the ocean, air quality, the ozone, rivers and lakes and so on…

Since 2011, the Greenpeace Detox campaign has challenged some of the world’s most popular clothing brands to eliminate all releases of hazardous chemicals. Photo credit: Jonas Gratzer / Greenpeace

This article really breaks down in some detail what the scale of the consequences are.

We are simply addicted to spending on our looks, and I’m talking about everyone. EVERYONE (me included). To some extent this is why I find ‘style bloggers’ problematic because they promote fast fashion and the necessity to have a different outfit for every. Single. Post. The power of bloggers to drive sales and influence their followers (that number into the hundreds of thousands, or even millions) means that they are a key factor in promoting the culture of fast fashion.

I don’t actually know one fashion blogger who has an “eco-conscience”. If you know any, please let me know.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to get on a high horse or anything here. I struggle just as much as the next person with my appearance, and the almost constant need to buy new clothes, or the dissatisfaction with my wardrobe.

But let’s face the facts. Let’s be honest with ourselves here. What are we willing to sacrifice for our looks?

A lot of people complain about how clothing made sustainably, ethically or from organic fabrics are too expensive, but shouldn’t the real question here be, why is most clothing is so cheap?

For more about the industry and its social and environmental cost, I’ve written about it before here and here.

And Here are some ways to change our spending habits and lessen our impact on the environment.